These recent Netflix releases feature 2 big-name comedy stars: Man vs Bee is essentially a solo act with Rowan Atkinson, while The Man from Toronto teams comedian Kevin Hart with potentially amusing Woody Harrelson.

Man vs Bee Rowan Atkinson is best known as Mr. Bean and this latest series* cast him as a housesitter in a beautiful property, where a bee causes him and the house great misfortune. Even though there is dialogue, most of the action features Atkinson’s physical encounters in quiet panic. While I was a big fan of Mr. Bean, the humor here seldom lands. There’s lots of destruction and mayhem, but most of it is predictable and rather flat. Kids will probably enjoy.
*Each ep runs from 10 to 20 minutes with a total running time of 108 minutes, not even a full movie length. (2 / 5)
Netflix link

The Man from Toronto Kevin Hart is up to his usual fast-talking hijinx as a hapless victim of a mistaken identity farce. He’s assumed to be the titular character, who’s a cold-blooded killer (Woody Harrelson). Of course, the silliness ensues with the unlikely duo working their way thru it. Frankly, there’s not much about the story or the action that stands out. On top of that, the chemistry between the 2 stars never gets to any strong comic level. Hart has his moments, but this won’t be one of the prolific actor’s best. (2 / 5)
Netflix link